Methanol extracts of Vernonia amygdalina Del increase the sex ratio of offspring in Rattus norvegicus rats

Abstract

Several sex selection methods are available but with varying success rates, availability, and affordability. Vernonia amygdalina has been used by some Kenyan communities for the male child pre-selection at conception but these claims have not been scientifically ascertained. This study aims at evaluating the ability of this herbal plant to pre-select for the male child at conception. The roots of the plant were collected and processed before extraction using methanol. The obtained crude plant extracts were orally administered to Rattus norvegicus rats before and during mating for one week. Crude extracts at doses of 50, 87, and 150mg/kg body weight were used to evaluate the effects of the plant on the sex ratio of pups and factors related to sex ratio. A P value of P<0.05 was set as the limit of significance. The extracts were also subjected to quantitative phytochemical and mineral analysis. The results indicated that treating female rats with the plant extract significantly increased the ratio of male to female pups in all the treatment groups. There was a significant decrease in serum cortisol levels in both male and female rats and an increase in vaginal pH in female rats. The 50 and 87 mg/kg doses caused a significant increase in estrogen levels compared to the untreated group. These results validated the use of the plant by herbalists for the preselection of a male child at conception.